Microsoft Windows kernel-mode driver contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition on a targeted system. Updates are available.

Description

A vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Kernel-Mode TCP/IP Driver could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.

The vulnerability is due to improper processing of crafted packets by the affected software when handling TCP/IP connections. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending malicious packets to a targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the targeted system to stop responding, resulting in a DoS condition for legitimate users.

Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.

Warning Indicators

The following Microsoft products are affected:

Windows Vista and x64 Edition SP2

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2

Windows Server 2008 for x64 based Systems SP2

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2

Windows 7 for 32-bit and x64-based Systems SP1

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems SP1

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1

Windows 8 for 32 and 64-bit Systems

Windows Server 2012

Windows RT

IntelliShield Analysis

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker may require access to trusted, internal networks to send crafted requests to the affected software. This access requirement could limit the likelihood of a successful exploit.

Microsoft has resolved the vulnerability by changing the way the TCP/IP driver handles TCP/IP packets.

Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS13-049

Impact

An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability to cause a DoS condition for legitimate users.

Technical Information

The vulnerability is due to improper processing of crafted packets by the affected software when handling TCP/IP connections.

An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted packets to a targeted system. When the affected software processes the malicious packets, an integer overflow error could cause the system to become unresponsive. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a DoS condition for legitimate users.

Safeguards

Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.

Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.

Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.

Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the security bulletin. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and available on the Microsoft Update service. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.

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